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| Criterion |  Operations Process Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45–90 min | 1-6 Wochen | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-10 | 4-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessOperationsImprovement | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |